Trailer braking systems are among the most important safety features for getting your camper to and from destinations without incident. Most modern towable campers are built with trailer brakes. But is there a legal requirement for states to dictate the need for a trailer braking system when towing?
Let’s investigate, beginning with explaining how an electric trailer braking system works.
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ToggleWhat Is a Trailer Braking System?

A travel trailer braking system typically includes the brakes on the individual tires and a brake control unit that delivers power to the trailer brakes when your tow vehicle’s brakes are applied. The brake controller regulates how much the trailer’s brakes are applied based on the relative application of your tow vehicle’s brakes.
There are generally two types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes can be mechanic or hydraulic and generally use inertia to slow a trailer down. Electric trailer brakes use a control unit to activate electromagnetic brake drums to slow and stop your camper.
A reliable trailer braking system is paramount to towing safety, especially with larger campers.
Which States Require a Trailer Braking System?

Trailer brake requirements vary from state to state, mostly based on a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) limit. Individual states may also have additional requirements, such as the number of wheels that require trailer brakes, required stopping distance, and potential exemptions. Check your home state’s requirements to assess whether you need a camper with a trailer braking system safety device.
Most states also require towable trailers to have a trailer braking system breakaway cable. This cable activates the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle.
Requirements may shift as states pass amendments or otherwise alter their trailer brake requirements. Our research suggests that states can land in several groups based on their individual trailer brake laws.
Brakes Required for GVWR of 1,500 Pounds or More
- California
- Idaho
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
Trailer Brakes Required for GVWR of 2,000 Pounds or More
- Kansas
- Ohio
Brakes Required for GVWR of 3,000 Pounds or More
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Trailer Brakes Required for GVWR of 4,000 Pounds or More
- Delaware
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
Brakes Required for GVWR of 4,500 Pounds or More
- Texas
Brakes Required for GVWR of 5,000 Pounds or More
- Alaska
Trailer Brakes Required for GVWR of 10,000 Pounds or More
- Missouri
Do You Already Have a Trailer Braking System?

The good news is that most newly manufactured towable campers are built with trailer brakes. That’s even true for the small lightweight campers with GVWR ratings near that most common 3,000-pound threshold.
Older used RVs or vintage trailers may not include a surge or electric trailer braking system, but you can always contact the RV manufacturer or a Camping World sales associate to check the specifications of your specific camper.
Do You Need a Trailer Brake Controller?
Even though many modern RVs are built with trailer braking systems, not all tow vehicles are factory-manufactured with an electronic trailer brake controller. That’s why RV suppliers like CURT manufacture easy-to-install brake control units to give you a safer towing experience. Learn more about these trailer braking safety devices and whether you need one:
- What Is a Trailer Brake Controller?
- Is the Echo Brake Controller the Easiest RV Upgrade?
Do you have any questions about braking systems for towable RVs or other legal towing considerations? Let us know in the comments below!
Author
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Tucker Ballister is our Content Strategist. He grew up RV camping in a Fleetwood Bounder with his parents and has lived and camped in two motorhomes and two travel trailers to date. His current RV is a 2025 Campsite Ultra 26BW, which he loves taking on adventures from his home base in Western North Carolina. Check out more of his RV adventures, gear reviews, and outdoor advice at thebackpackguide.com.
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